Chapter 1009: Criminal Investigation Team Discussion

No reason.

Logically speaking, if Wang Meili is the murderer, she couldn't possibly forget the process of killing.

Yes, unless she wasn't the one who killed, but if she didn't, then who did?

Though there are some logical issues with Wang Meili's stated motive for murder, she matched the details in the phases of disposing of the body and hiding Zhang Chao's disappearance.

From the current investigation results, Wang Meili confirmed that Zhang Chao was always living with them, and the records of Zhang Chao communicating with relatives through his phone are solid evidence.

To verify if these actions were done by Wang Meili, Wang Zhaokai and Chen Jiang asked her some specific details, and her answers matched up.

However, two key points raised issues. The first is the motive for murder.

Wang Meili said she killed Zhang Chao because he committed domestic violence after drinking.

And the killing of Zhang Chao was an impulsive murder, not intentional, but rather a reaction to being subjected to domestic violence.

However, investigation into Zhang Chao's colleagues showed that he is allergic to alcohol and usually doesn't drink; even when he does, he drinks very little.

Thus, the situation Wang Meili described of Zhang Chao often getting drunk and committing domestic violence seems unsupported.

Additionally, an investigation of Zhang Chao's neighbors reflected that the couple seemingly did not fight, thus domestic violence appears unlikely.

Another issue is Wang Meili's description of the murder process.

According to Wang Meili, after suffering domestic violence, she stabbed Zhang Chao with scissors in the back, supposedly in the lower back area, probably the left side; however, she couldn't remember clearly, it might have been the right side.

Yet, examination of Zhang Chao's remains found he was stabbed from the front, with knife marks on the front of the spine and lower ribs.

This contradicts Wang Meili's description of the murder.

"Could it be an old injury?"

Wang Zhaokai asked.

"Impossible."

In the meeting room, Lu Chuan gathered everyone to share the issues he discovered, prompting discussion to decide what actions to take next.

Sun Biao shook his head disagreeing with Wang Zhaokai's idea: "Although we aren't forensic doctors, think about it. Knife marks and scratches on the rib and spine are unlikely to be old injuries; they are fatal injuries."

"I trust the forensic doctor's judgment. After all, Wang Meili's words are just her claims; no one truly knows what happened at the time, and the claim that Zhang Chao committed domestic violence is unlikely given the lack of supporting testimonies from neighbors."

Wang Zhaokai understood this point.

He had only guessed about Zhang Hui's history based on small odds.

"But the problem remains. If Wang Meili isn't the murderer, who killed Zhang Chao? It's certain Zhang Chao was killed at home, otherwise, his body wouldn't have appeared under the kumquat tree on the balcony."

In the old, crowded apartment complex, there are always people around.

Early in the morning, people are taking walks; even at night, there are many night owls.

No matter when the murder occurred, transporting the body back home from outside would be quite unlikely.

Naturally, taking the body outside is also unlikely; this explains why Wang Meili hid the body at home, under the kumquat tree.

"Moreover, Wang Meili's fabrication of Zhang Chao's continued presence with them matches our findings, meaning she indeed created the illusion that Zhang Chao was alive."

"If she didn't commit the murder, why fabricate the image of Zhang Chao being alive?"

"Another thing, Zhang Chao's phone was indeed found in Wang Meili's home, and it's covered with her fingerprints."

Everyone remained silent for a while, then Sun Biao suggested an idea.

"Could it be Wang Meili has another man?"

Everyone exchanged glances.

This possibility certainly exists; if Wang Meili killed Zhang Chao because of another man, such as having an affair, then this motive could make sense.

"This needs to be investigated."

Chen Jiang remarked.

Wang Zhaokai nodded: "This definitely needs investigating, though personally, I think the likelihood is small."

"Considering the neighbors' investigation results, everyone believed Wang Meili and Zhang Chao had a good relationship, and if Wang Meili had an affair, perhaps there'd be no traces."

Lu Chuan also scratched his head.

It's been a year since the incident, and the situation at the crime scene can no longer be examined or collected.

Therefore, the crime scene investigation techniques Lu Chuan used in previous cases are not applicable here.

"Let's proceed on two fronts."

Lu Chuan thought aloud: "Captain Wang, have your group look into Wang Meili's personal relationships, call records, chat logs—investigate everything thoroughly for any close male acquaintances."

"Right, don't forget to check bank transaction records."

"Okay, I'll handle it after the meeting."

Lu Chuan then looked at Chen Jiang: "Captain Chen, you go to interrogate Wang Meili."

"If she is lying, there will be slip-ups during questioning. Even if she prepares in advance, repeated questioning may reveal inconsistencies, seeing if there's a possible breakthrough from Wang Meili."

"Understood!"

Everyone here is experienced. In interrogation, what suspects say isn't necessarily the same each time; if every statement is identical, without deviation, then there might be an issue.

When normal people recall or organize an event, the core of the narrative may be consistent, but their word choices might differ slightly each time.

If every recount is identical, it's possible the person memorized a script.

Through repeated interrogations, these detailed issues can be identified.

If Wang Meili can't justify her statements, it indicates a legitimate issue, and applying pressure may lead Wang Meili to confess.